Strategies for turbulent times

11 May 2001 - "Leaders who make an effort to engage and connect with their employees during difficult times will have the confidence and support of their work force to not only weather the current conditions but to succeed despite them", says Chris Rice, CEO of BlessingWhite, the consulting and training company.

According to Rice, senior managers need to focus on three key strategies to ensure that their organizations survive and prosper in the long term:

1. Focus on purpose and values.

Employees can become preoccupied with the impact on change on their own personal situations when strategies are changed to meet new market conditions. Senior managers should hold fast to the mission and values of the organization to provide stability and direction for employees - and leaders who are faced with maing difficult business decisions. Spending cuts might be essential, but staying true to the organization's mission is equally important.

2. Connect; don't hide.

Many managers are prone to disappearing into their offices, 'plotting short-term tactics', when times are tough. But this is exactly when their employees need leadership most. Managers need to be visible, share their concerns and walk around 'showing the math' according to Rice. By this he means the concerns, discussions, and reasons behind decisions. He argues that employees may have doubts about the organization's business strategies and will be anxious about the impact of market conditions on the company. At this time it is important that they believe in senior managers and their competence and trustworthiness as leaders.

3. Demonstrating commitment in the absence of `perks' and promotions.

Rice says that executives should find new ways to give opportunities and satisfaction in employees' current jobs. He suggests:

- encouraging self-directed development;
- aligning employees' personal goals with organizational goals;
- making the effort to connect with employees, sending them the message that they are important and valued.

Rice makes the point that at a time when jobs, career paths, compensation, and workloads are changing, it's important to remind people why they chose to work at your organization in the first place.

"These strategies drive long-term success, not just a short term response to market conditions," notes Rice. "When people have the assurance of what won't change and a personal connection with leaders who are visible and challenged with the same issues and concerns, they will be better able to focus on the job at hand. Leaders who make an effort to engage and connect with their employees during difficult times will have the confidence and support of their work force to not only weather the current conditions but to succeed despite them.

"The bottom line results are increased employee commitment, improved retention of the people critical for success, and sharpened focus on business performance," Rice says.

BlessingWhite has offices in the US, UK, Singapore, Ireland and Australia. www.blessingwhite.com.